BLON festival announces animation and video game award winners

The BLON international animation and video game festival, held in Klaipėda from September 10–13, has announced the winners of its six competitive programs. The event featured over 70 animated films, video games, and virtual reality works, attracting professionals and creators from Lithuania and around the world.

In the Lithuanian creators' competition, Gertrūda Nemčauskaitė’s film ‘Pingvinas ir Balandis’ (Penguin and Dove) received the top award. The jury praised the film for its strong storytelling, animation, and sound. A special mention was awarded to Birutė Sodeikaitė’s film ‘Palaimintas’ (Blessed) from Canada.

The winner of the International competition was ‘Kamuoliaveidė’ (Ball Face) by Laurence Thérien, a production from the United Kingdom and Canada. The jury highlighted the film's ability to accurately convey the complex theme of psychological violence against children through a seemingly simple story.